#madeonmilos

Upcycling jeans to make a backpack Part 2

 (for part 1 click here)

The Finished backpack

Continuing on from part 1

(1) This is the back piece of the backpack which will have a secret pocket.   I decided it was a bit boring so I drew a heart with chalk,  outlined it with thread and  (2) machine stitched the pocket in place

(1)

(2)

(3) Denim rivets were added to the top pocket corners  (4) for added strength

(3)

(4)

(5) Fabric tabs were then attached to (6) square rings

*I really like using square rings for adjustable backpack straps, they look neater neater than O rings or D rings.

(5)

(6)

(7) The main pieces of the bag were then stitched together, the front, back, base, zipped top and the tabs for the straps.

(7)

(8) Next strips of fabric were made from various colored strips of upcycled denim which were (9) then made into straps

(8)

(9)

(10) Metal sliders were (11) stitched and riveted to the ends

to make the straps adjustable

(10)

(11)

( 12) Then the straps were stitched onto the bag

and riveted for extra strength

(12)

(12)

The finished backpack.

Εργαστήρια Δημιουργικής Επανάχρησης – Μήλου. Upcycling Workshops – Milos. Upcycling jeans to make a backpack Part 2   (for part 1 click here) The Finished backpack…

 Upcycling jeans to make a backpack   Part 1

Πως φτιάχνω μία τσάντα πλάτης επαναχρησιμοποιώντας ένα παλιό παντελόνι τζιν    Μέρος 1

The textile industry is one of the world’s top 5 polluters and unfortunately the denim jeans that we all love to wear are one of the worst polluters.  According to Christina Dean,  the Founder and CEO of Redress, a Hong Kong-based NGO working to reduce waste in the fashion industry – “Just one pair of regular jeans requires 3,625 liters of water which is the same amount of water one person requires for basic survival for around 2.5 years”

For further information that you will not regret reading:

A Conversation with Christina Dean    and       Redress     her environmental NGO is which working to reduce waste in the fashion industry.

So, upcycling our clothes and especially our jeans is one of the easiest and most approachable ways to help the environment, everyone can do it!

Here is part 1 of a little tutorial showing how it’s possible to upcycle denim jeans into a backpack. 

As the aim is to make a bag that reaches professional standards and lasts a long time,  most of the sewing was done with professional, industrial machines. During the Upcycling Workshops on Milos people will have the opportunity to learn about professional level design and construction methods as well as learning about professional techniques and industrial machines.

 Suggested equipment

          a seam ripper , 

         thread snips   (or scissors)

         fabric marking pencils

1.  We aren’t going to undo the lovely “flat fell seam” that is found on the inside leg…not only because it looks nice but also because it’s much more difficult to rip up as it’s actually a double-seam

–see here to understand how a flat fell seam is made. 

2.  We’re going to start ripping the outside seam with the seam ripper.

3. Starting at the hem, then slowly cutting the threads  4. &  5.  until the seam is completely opened.

6. Next we’ll mark our design onto the denim fabric and lining fabric 7. with a fabric marking pencil.

8. Now we cut the holes for the zips   9.  and make the zip pockets 

10. & 11. Next we attach the zips and zip pockets to the main body of the bag.

Almost there….we just have to attach the red zip and zip pocket and then…

“I’m Ready for My Close-Up, Mr. DeMille”

Upcycled denim jeans backpack with a BIG mouth….oh dear! This may be a very nasty backpack    for a very nasty woman!  

Part 2 soon

Το Καλιτεχνικο Εργαστήρι Milos Crafts Ανοίγει Τις Πόρτες Του Για Το Πρώτο Σεμινάριο Τέχνης.

Milos Crafts Design Studio is opening its doors for the first, of many, art and craft workshop. Χειροποίητα εσπαντρίγιας.  Handcraft your own espadrilles. Ετοιμάζεται σιγά-σιγά το εργαστήρι για τα πρώτα σεμινάρια τέχνης & χειροτεχνίας,  να μοιραστούμε την χαρά της δημιουργίας.

Θα κατασκευάζουμε το πιο διαχρονικό παπούτσι του καλοκαιριού… χειροποίητα εσπαντρίγιας…. και τσάντα ασορτί. Τις…

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This Milos Mini-Bag design is inspired by two things:

The lines “The kisses of your lips are honey, my love” from the Song of Solomon 4:11,

andthisElsa Schiaparelli evening coat at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Elsa Schiaparelli had a wonderful, quirky way of seeing the world.  Her designs were often considered shocking, playing with contradictions and opposites, her first perfume was actually called Shocking.  

An innovative designer, way ahead of her time…she’s credited with designing the first culottes and wrap-dress, and the first clothes with visible zippers. The New Yorker’s Paris correspondent at the time said, “A dress from Schiaparelli ranks like a modern canvas” ,  having effectively turned her fashion creations into art.   Have a look at this bug necklace , it’s quite amazing when you consider it was made, and worn, in 1938 as part of her Pagan Collection inspired by Botticelli’s lush paintings.    

Schiaparellicollaborated with many artists of the day, such as Salvador Dali, believing that fashion and art share the same goals – to enrich and deepen an understanding of the world that surrounds us.   In fact Coco Chanel, Schiaparelli’s greatest rival, referred to her as “The Italian artist who makes clothes.” 

Here is an excerpt from a  Vogue article about her early life:  “Berated by her mother for her homely looks, she grew up thinking of whimsical ways to beautify herself. Her astronomer uncle tried to allay her concerns about a cluster of moles on her cheek by noting their resemblance to the Big Dipper; years later, she recreated the constellation on the chairs in her salon, in embroideries, and on a cherished brooch. Schiap once took flower seeds and sowed them in her ears, mouth, and nose, in the hopes that she would blossom into a beauty. “To have a face covered with flowers like a heavenly garden would indeed be a wonderful thing!”

Some links for further reading. Her Biography.   The Met Museum Collection.  A Vogue Biography

And so, inspired by the great artist/designer that is Schiaparelli, I’m working on this series of Milos Mini-Bags.

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I’ve been wanting to do an “In Your Face Bag” for a while and decided this beautiful bronze nappa leather would make cool hair.  It was fun making the pattern and it’s amazing how much the expression can change just by rearranging the eyes.

Pattern cutting and planning

Cutting the leather

Stitching the hair onto the main body

Stitching the lips

Stitching the lips onto the main body

Stitching the eyelashes onto the mainbody